XP Pro/Home, Router/Networking Security

My main PC (host) is running XP Pro and my laptop XP Home. The configuration is a Netgear WGR614V6 router where I currently have the wireless function disabled. The host has full acess to the laptop but the laptop can only see the host, nothing beyond. I am running NTFS on all HDs along with NTFS security rights (except for the XP home edition). I also use Norton 360 on both (Firewall/Antivirus). I am running internet access through a cable modem which ports into the router. I'm looking for recommendations or pointers to tech articles that discuss security given this environment. Although this router has a firewall, I'm a little leary about relying on it 100%. Thanks

If its external access onto the pc's as long as you dont have any port forwards, your pretty much as secure as can be.
Just keep your w/less turned off and keep your router/firewall closed and you should be ok.

If you are over-paranoid, look into a Linux-based firewall solution. Would involve a 3rd pc (but it could be a really old one - mine runs on a P400 with 128mb ram), and it would have to sit between your router and a switch, but it would add another layer of security. Ready-made solutions like IPCop (free - open source) and Smoothware (free for non-commercial use i think) can incorporate plugins to give funcionality such as Proxy software, AV Scanning of Emails / Internet content, Content filtering software, and more.

Whether you need it or not though is upto you, Most businesses rely on a similar setup as you (but with a larger switch running off the router), and have more or less no issues.

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eegptAuthor Commented: 2007-03-20

Actually both systems are running SP2 and the guest account is disabled on both. I inherited this laptop and it came with XP Home which I've never used before so I'm slowly discovering its shortcomings. I am also looking for tips on securing the router further (if possible). Given the configuration I described, I wanted to make sure each potential entry point is covered, to the best of my ability.